As someone who survived a horrible logging accident that left him with multiple injuries, Dale Horth has a lot of advice for young workers on how to stay safe and on how to recover if you’ve been injured on the job. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Twenty years ago on Monday, July 14, I was logging at Ure Creek, near Pemberton, when I was involved in a serious accident that left me with multiple injuries.

I was falling trees with my boss. I was limbing two trees that we had dropped and was bucking them into lengths when a miscommunication took place between me and my boss. I was struck by another tree that he decided to fall. Not seeing the tree until the last second, I dropped my chainsaw and covered my head, thinking that this was it for me.

People don’t normally get hit by trees and live to talk about it but somehow I landed between the two limbed and bucked trees already on the ground, which saved my life. But I was badly hurt, with two broken legs, a broken back and ribs and internal injuries.

I was flown to Vancouver General Hospital by helicopter where I had surgery to repair my body. After a lengthy stay in hospital, I spent time in the rehabilitation centre. Others like me who were on workers’ compensation about the same time as me will remember that the centre wasn’t a happy place to be.

I remember walking in there feeling bad, and sorry for myself, until I saw people in the centre with missing arms, legs and stuck in wheel chairs. In particular, I remember this one guy who had no who had someone follow him around constantly to feed him and assist him with all his needs.

I had some time away from the centre but when I came back the same guy had been fitted with two artificial arms that allowed him to eat and open doors and other things on his own.

And then, a few years later, I returned again to the centre and when I went to sit in the patients’ lounge there was this monster picture of the same guy with his new arms, now at a golf tournament, hitting a ball out of a sand trap. I believe he worked for B.C. Hydro, with just 10-per-cent determination to get on with a productive life.

Watching him helped me push myself to get on with it and play the cards I was dealt with. I remember therapists trying to tell me that the pain is all in my head and sure, if you want to get technical about it, I guess they are right.

But what I believe is in your head that’s more important is what you plan to do about difficult situations, whatever they might be.

We all have a choice. You can sit back and play the, “poor me, I’m the victim” card, or you can do something to help yourself.

It’s very easy to lose yourself after being in a accident — depression, weight gain, prescription-drug or alcohol dependence. I was in great shape before my accident and to have it all taken away in the snap of a finger is tough. I wasn’t one for the doctors’ prescriptions and I had a bad time coming off the pain meds in the hospital; I like to be in control of my mind.

Fitness and eating healthy food were the answers to my problems — and the fact that I was motivated to do pretty much everything that I did before my accident. And you know what? I pretty much can. If you saw me now, 20 years later, you wouldn’t know that I was even in an accident.

Two years ago, I decided I was going to do a Tough Mudder, a series of 16- to 20-kilometre muddy obstacle races. I trained so hard for that event that it changed me in so many ways. I now can’t stop working out, even power lifting in the gym three to five times a week. Today, I’m stronger than I was before my accident and I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

My message to young people starting out in the logging, construction or any industry, really, is first, come prepared to work, with a clear head, well rested and having the right gear for the job.

Next, know your surroundings and the work hazards. I look at it this way: every machine or log is trying to hurt or kill me and it’s my job to ensure that doesn’t happen.

Finally, work safely. Do not trust anyone with your life — not even your own father, uncle or brother who may have been in this industry for a long time. If you don’t feel safe doing something, stop! Bring it up with a supervisor or the boss. Do not be scared to stand up for your own safety, even if you make them angry.

If you are sincere, they should help you get through the situation or find an alternative action.

Your life is more valuable than a bunch of logs and at the end of the day you want to be able to sit in that crumby work truck, heading home.

If you are an injured worker, I wish you a speedy recovery. Dealing with WorkSafe can be frustrating. When talking to them, keep your cool; it doesn’t help by getting angry.

Do not say “no” to them ever, that’s the job of your doctors or lawyers. Stay focused on your recovery; fitness, healthy eating, hot baths and deep-tissue massages are my tools of managing my pain and living a healthy life.

Looking back, I also must thank everyone who helped me, the doctors, nurses and everyone who was there the day that I was hurt. Trevor the paramedic, you were my rock that day. My boss, I know you didn’t want to hurt me.

I am strong and I have learned to play the cards I have been dealt. People don’t usually live from getting hit by large trees. I have lost family and friends to the logging industry and they are never forgotten.

But I survived and I am around to talk about it. I’m very thankful for that.

Dale Horth is a Squamish resident and former logger who owns Whistler Firewood.

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